Jill provides counselling for adult individuals and couples with a wide range of challenges and goals, specializing in trauma, loss, grief, life transitions and identity issues, both in person in Nelson and virtually. Jill supports clients through a creative blend of practical skills-focused approaches to stabilize challenging situations, as well as opening space for deeper exploration of the ‘why’ behind our behaviours. Jill is curious about people and their stories. She believes in exploring the context of the whole person within their particular world. Her approach is transparent, honest, sometimes funny, and always genuine. Jill holds a Masters of Social Work from McGill University and is a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #27141).
View Ms. Wood’s full bio
Our Clinician Team
About Us
Ms. Jill Wood
RSW and RCC
Ms. Brook Doyle
CCC and RCC, M.A.
Brook has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology: Brain and Cognition from the University of Guelph and her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. She uses methodology from CBT, IFS, CPT and narrative therapy to help clients understand their internal world. Brook has special training in Cognitive Processing Therapy and EMDR to help support clients with trauma. She is also trained in ULCA’s PEERS Social Skills Training to help support young adults gain more knowledge and confidence in navigating the social world. Additionally, she works with many clients with ADHD to help build skills to help with time management, planning, goal achievement, focus and self-esteem. Brook works with clients ages 10 and above.
Brook applies her considerable skills with diligence and compassion to everything she does. Booking with Brook would be a great option for clients needing support in the following areas: low mood/ depression, anxiety, phobias, grief, managing emotions, improving social skills, achieving particular goals, ADHD, managing unhelpful thoughts, finding resilience within the day-to-day challenges of life. Her CCC number is 11261384 and her RCC number is 23380.
Ms. Jaylene Yablonski
M.Ed., Psychologist
Ms. Jaylene Yablonski is a Psychologist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC and with the College of Alberta Psychologists in the province of Alberta. She is also a member of the Canadian Psychological Association. With dual registration, she can provide psychological services (in-person and online) to both residents of British Columbia and Alberta.
Ms. Robin Swift
M.Ed., Psychologist
Ms. Robin Swift, M.Ed. is a Psychologist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC, a Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologist in the province of Alberta and a registered member of the Canadian Psychological Association.
Dr. Helen Peel
Clin. Psy.D., Psychologist
25 years experience as a Clinical Psychologist. Co-owner of Summit Psychology
Counselling: couples counselling, individual counselling/ treatment for adults
Assessment: psychoeducational assessments (ADHD, Learning Disabilities), career assessments, mental health assessments.
Works with: depression, anxiety, grief, stress management, support with life transitions, improving family relationships, setting and achieving goals, improving quality of life.
(NOTE Helen no longer works with complex trauma or PTSD)
Methods: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, EMDR, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Unified Protocol.
Theoretical background: Social constructionism, feminism.
Is honored to work with LGBTQIA+ 
and Indigenous people.
View Dr. Peel’s full bio
Ms. Jennifer Cournoyer Derome
M. Ed., Psychologist
Ms. Jennifer Cournoyer Derome is a licensed Psychologist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC), a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, and a registered member of the Canadian Psychological Association.
Martha Clark
Occupational Therapist
Martha provides quality Occupational Therapy Services in the Kootenay-Boundary Region supporting clients with a broad spectrum of challenges impacting mental-emotional, physical and cognitive abilities. She has over 25 years of expertise in vocational rehabilitation and disability management, and Martha enjoys working with individuals to overcome barriers to optimize function and wellness in their life roles and work activities. At Summit Mental Wellness Clinic, Martha works with individuals experiencing PTSD and mental health challenges to regain abilities to function again in their home, community and workplaces by developing structure and routines, learning coping strategies, and practicing gradual re-engagement in community activities outside of the clinical setting. Martha is able to bring a diverse perspective and solution focus to complex assessment and treatment situations. In her spare time, Martha enjoys living and playing in the Kootenay mountains.
Ms. Ginia Hayward
Kinesiologist
Ginia Hayward is the Kinesiologist delivering physical activation services in the WorkSafe BC Post Traumatic Stress Disorder clinic at Summit Mental Wellness Clinic. She graduated from UBC in 2010 and has enjoyed a variety of fulfilling work as a Kinesiologist since then. Registered with the BC Association of Kinesiologists, Ginia has experience working as a Kinesiolgost in Occupational Rehabilitation Programs with WorkSafe BC in a multi-disciplinary clinic setting, pre-employment functional testing, Learning Facilitator for ViaSport for physical literacy workshops, and as a Health and Wellness Consultant for BC teachers. In 2022 Ginia established ErgoWellness, a consulting service that offers workplace ergonomic and wellness services to businesses and individuals. Ginia is passionate about supporting clients using a holistic approach to their physical and mental wellness and helping them to achieve their goals through sustainable changes that make a difference in her client’s lives.
Ms. Julia Gerlitz
Registered Clinical Counsellor M.A., R.C.C
Julia Gerlitz is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who has assisted individuals, youth, couples, and families overcome challenges in their lives since 2011. Julia holds a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia, and is a faculty member with the Vancouver School of Narrative Therapy. A special interest for Julia is providing relationship therapy for couples. She is passionate about helping clients share untold narratives of strength and resilience, in order to create opportunities for change in their actions, perspectives, and identities. Julia is also a registered member of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC).
View Ms. Gerlitz’s full bio
Rupert Hudson
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Rupert is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #25882) with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from UBC. He works with adults, teenagers, couples, and families navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, relationship challenges, and questions of identity and self-worth. He specializes in supporting neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and autism, as well as people exploring their neurodivergence. Rupert is particularly passionate about helping those who have spent much of their lives feeling misunderstood, overwhelmed, or pressured to be someone they’re not.
Rupert brings warmth, curiosity, humour, and creativity to counselling, creating a space where clients can feel understood and comfortable being themselves. His collaborative approach draws on Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness, somatic practices, and expressive arts, tailored to each person’s needs. With additional training in neurodivergent somatics, two years living and working at a Vipassana meditation centre, and a background as a professional musician, Rupert brings a unique perspective to emotional wellbeing, self-discovery, and personal growth. His goal is to help clients better understand themselves, build meaningful connections, and move toward lives that feel more authentic and fulfilling.
Eric Douglas
Eric Douglas holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UBC and is completing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University under the supervision of Julia Gerlitz, M.A., RCC. Starting January 2026 Eric will be offering sliding scale, reduced fee therapy for older teenagers and adults as part of his Masters Degree practicum at Summit Mental Wellness Clinic.
Eric has experience in research and data science within the food systems sector, alongside more than a decade of teaching movement and dance and facilitating youth leadership groups. These experiences inform an approach that is analytical, relational, and attentive to embodied experience.
Eric works with adults, youth, and couples, drawing primarily on narrative therapy alongside CBT, DBT, and solution-focused approaches.
Our Support Team
Team
Nic
Meet Nic, our testing technician. Nic is currently finishing his undergraduate degree in psychology, after which he plans on pursuing a master’s in counselling psychology. Nic has a particular interest in sports and performance psychology. This, combined with his many years of experience working with and managing people of all ages, ensures Nic brings a calm and relaxing attitude and demeanor to the Summit team.
Natasha
Meet Natasha, our front office administrator and receptionist. Having a background in medical/legal administration, Natasha is an essential staff member in ensuring Summit services are offered in a seamless and efficient manner. Her inherently generous and warm personality provides a safe and inviting atmosphere for patients. As our frontline staff member, you can be confident to be greeted with kindness and a warm smile and have your reception needs addressed with proficiency, confidentiality and sensitivity.
Laurel
Meet Laurel, our front office administrator and receptionist. Laurel brings a calm steady presence to our front reception with a people-first approach to everything she does. With over a decade of experience in Office Administration she believes in clear communication, empathy, and creating a supportive environment where both colleagues and clients feel valued and heard.
Our Canine Support Team
Team
